Flora and Fauna as Decor

Last Friday, I visited Pittsburgh's Phipps Conservatory (http://phipps.conservatory.org/). I was so inspired by all of the beautiful flowers and plants there. It was a like a walk through a perfect secret garden. Being around all of that beautiful color and greenery made me think about how as a designer, it is so crucial to pull the beauty of the outside inside.

There are countless ways to incorporate more nature into your home. Reclaimed wood and rustic wooden slab tables are an excellent and practical means for introducing more natural materials. Obviously, house plants and potted orchids are a lovely addition and also improve your indoor air quality. If you don't have a green thumb, wall covering in large scale floral patterns makes for an interesting backdrop in a dining room or as a focal wall in a bedroom. Visit http://www.studioprintworks.com/wallpaper.php for a little inspiration. In addition, art that features birds, insects, and other various creatures is also a great way to invite nature in. Brooklyn artist, Gavin Benjamin creates the most amazing pieces of art using an almost "Warhol-esque" method of repeating natural elements such as flower petals as well as modern still lifes. Visit http://gavinbenjamin.com/books/index.html or contact a Weisshouse sales person for more information on how to purchase an original Gavin Benjamin.

The photos below are some shots to inspire your inner "Mother Nature".